Today, the Hillsboro Herald is amplifying the report put out by the Hillsboro Police Department yesterday. Someone stole the bell from the David Hill School on TV Highway in Hillsboro, Oregon. This happened last weekend. The police are seeking leads and asking people to call in and to help in the return of the historic bell. The Herald supports the police in every way; we have a great appreciation for the HPD.
Here is the social Media Post from HPD:
David Hill School,, Bel,l, Hillsboro, Oregon
DAVID HILL BELL STOLEN FROM OAK STREET CAMPUS | Over the weekend of April 19, 2025, the David Hill bell and placard on display at the Hillsboro School District Oak Street Campus (440 SE Oak St) were stolen. The bell is the original bell from the David Hill School.
Anyone with information is asked to call 503-629-0111 regarding case number 25-7891.
Whoever you are who stole this bell, I would like to ask you personally to consider returning it. If involving the police is too difficult or creates concerns, please call me directly- Dirk Knudsen- 503-799-8383. Maybe your kids are playing a Spring prank. Perhaps you are hungry and thought the bell could be easily sold or exchanged for scrap. But I want you to return it- we all do, us good people of Hillsboro.
THE REWARD IS OFFERED: In exchange for returning the bell, I will pay you $1,000. That is not money I have to throw around, but I want to reward you for returning it. And to anyone who knows where the bell is, or can help bring it home, please consider the reward yours for the taking. If you provide the information and the bell is returned, you can contact me for the reward. No questions asked.
If any of you out there feel the way I do, and want to add to the reward, please call me. The higher the reward goes, the more likely we are to get the bell back.
Why Care About an Old School Bell?
Beyond the fact that I am a historian and the President of the Hillsboro Historical Society, I believe in Karma and the law. Then there is the history that you destroyed.
This was not just any old bell. This bell originated from the original Hillsboro School, later renamed the David Hill School. It was built in 1889 and served as an icon of the community’s commitment to education. That bell rang across the entire city, calling all to attend class every morning. And it rang for decades and decades. Some of the most outstanding citizens to ever rise from the Tualatin Valley came from that school. The educators were among the finest we ever had. And then there is the connection to David Hill himself. This land is located on his land claim. The school bears the name of the man who helped establish the Pacific NW itself, founded this town, and was committed to education.
These kids want their school bell back- so do the right thing!
Whoever knows where this bell is, please return it, call the Police or me. Some things should just not be left for everyone to say “oh well”.
